The latest scam you need to be aware of to prevent identity theft of your information is pretexting.

What is Pretexting?

Scammers are using home and cell pretexting to get personal information from you via the telephone. For intance, someone calls you and makes up a reason that they need some personal info from you. The pretext they use is false and aimed at separating you from your personal information.

Are Their Laws Against Pretexting?

While the FCC and the FTC are hopeful that Congress will criminalize pretexting, their are currently no laws specifically against pretexting. The FTC has pursued a few cases under th “unfair and deceptive practices” mandate. Individual companies, like cell phone companies hurt by cell pretexting, have filed suit in civil court against the pretexters.

How Do I Prevent Identity Theft and Pretexting?

Here are a few tips to prevent identity theft if you are contacted by a pretexter.

• Don’t give out any personal information to anyone unless you’ve initiated the contact. This not only includes by telephone, but also by mail or through web sites.
• Don’t call a number given to you verbally for verification purposes. Frequently, pretexters work in teams. The “verification” number could be their partner in crime.
• Set up an online account with your wireless and home telephone company which is tied to a password. Just like online, be sure to choose a password that can’t be guessed and is a combination of letters and numbers. My daughter works in the call center of a cellular company and they won’t give out any personal information without the phone number and password.

If you think your identity has been compromised through pretexting, call your telephone company immediately. You can notify the FCC by filing a complaint or calling them at 888–225–5322.

It seems like preventing identity theft is a full time job, but by following some simple guidelines like NEVER giving out your personal information, you may be able to protect yourself for scams like pretexting.